Football Careers clients join Wayne Rooney at Birmingham City
- Pete Shuttleworth and Carl Robinson were most recently part of Rooney's backroom team at MLS side D.C. United
- Ashley Cole and John O'Shea have also been brought on board at Birmingham City
Birmingham City has recruited Football Careers clients Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, who will join new manager Wayne Rooney at the club. The pair will form an important part of Rooney’s coaching staff, supporting the former Manchester United and England star as he lays his foundations at the EFL Championship side.
The coaching department has also appointed Ashley Cole, who comes in from Chelsea where he worked as assistant to manager Frank Lampard, as well as ex-Manchester United and Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea.
The close colleagues team up again at St Andrew’s
Robinson and Shuttleworth are no strangers to the new Birmingham City manager, having both been included in Rooney’s technical setup across the pond at Washington-based club D.C United.
Rooney and Shuttleworth first crossed paths at EFL League One’s Derby County, where Shuttleworth formed a strong bond with then manager and player Rooney in his position as First Team Assistant Coach. He made a lasting impression on him, with the ex-England star asking Pete to join forces with him again in America after he took up his post in Washington.
Welsh international Carl Robinson brings 26 years of experience at the top level of football. Following a playing career that encompassed a variety of clubs — including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Portsmouth, Sunderland, and Norwich City — Robinson finished his playing career in the MLS with Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls.
He then transitioned into coaching and management, beginning his management career at MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps, before stints at Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League. More recently, Robinson returned to the MLS to team up with Rooney as an Assistant Coach at D.C United.
Rejoining the 36-year old manager at Birmingham, the duo are added to a strong list of backroom staff names.
Exciting times ahead for Birmingham City
Following a takeover in July 2023 which included an investment from NFL star Tom Brady, the new managerial setup will have high expectations to hit the ground running for the Blues as they go through a transitional period. Fans will be watching eagerly to assess the impact that the new managerial team has at the club.
Football Careers wishes Carl and Pete all the best in their new positions.